[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks (of Diego), "named yet?"

[late_musketeers] Miseri says, "6 more points to allocate...."

Valentin arrives, looking for booty.

[late_musketeers] Miseri says, "oh, I know. Appearance."

Valentin says, "Arr. Fogive my tardiness."

Andres would like a good red wine, garcon.

[late_musketeers] Miseri says, "1 more point to allocate."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "good, good"

Constantin says (to Valentin), "Good morning, sleepyhead!"

[7thsea] schep asks, "is it musketeer time?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of Miseri), "You're joining?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Miseri), "pick a name now, and then do the points as we play"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "I really hope thatdoesn't keep happening."

[late_musketeers] Miseri says, "Arrrrr...."

[7thsea] Game_Master says, "yes."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "we need to start."

[7thsea] schep says, "have fun"

[7thsea] Game_Master says, "(it's being logged)"

[late_musketeers] DiegoValdez has joined the channel.

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "do we start out in our lodgings the next morning or what?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "ok, fine, the name will also be worked out as we play"

Game_Master says, "Act 2 begins a week later"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Or chained to a wall somewhere?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of Andres), "When do you have to leave, btw?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "okay, got it"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "5:30-5:40"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "Antoine-Gerard de Bascone"

Game_Master says, "you have spent the time fairly profitably, tracking down some pick-pockets and false sellers-of-patent-medicines and unlicensed entertainers and so on"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Get thee behind me, seller of generic brand viagra!"

Game_Master says, "also helped assist with someone attempting to evade the tax by smuggling in expensive jewelry in under a wagonload of apples"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hee!"

Constantin says, "I nabbed four unlicensed mimes single-handedly."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "So basically we're IRS thugs?"

Andres says (to Stan), "But they were all invisible!"

Constantin says, "No, but I had to walk against the wind to catch them."

Game_Master says, "finally, you receive a summons to report to Bron at noon"

Bron says, "well, well"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "oh, and I should mention, a companion from the regiment arrived in the intervening week"

Antoine-Gerard responds to the summons, of course.

Constantin says, "Good day, commander."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "making you four in all."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "yeah you should kind of say that in the narration maybe"

Bron says, "so, what have you been up to this past week? I see your friend managed to catch up with the rest of you -- nobody's ever claimed de la Fleurs were punctual."

Antoine-Gerard is new here, and just beginning to fit in.

Antoine-Gerard grins sheepishly. "I had an, ah, affair to settle."

Constantin says, "Well, we have done as you said, Commander."

Constantin asks, "Did you not read our reports?"

Valentin says (to Bron), "We have helped rid the city of vice and corruption, sir!"

Bron gestures to his desk. "D'you think I have time to read your reports?"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Didn't you see the GM's narration?"

[late_musketeers] Bron says, "hee"

Constantin says, "Not to mention our quick clean-up of the west gate tax bandits..."

Bron says (to Constantin), "that's true -- that was more than I expected of you."

Andres says, "And recovery of said false taxes."

Bron says, "indeed"

Constantin turns slightly red, but says nothing out of line.

Bron says, "well, in fact, it is taxes that will be your duty soon"

Constantin says, "Taxes!"

Constantin says, "We are musketeers, not tax collectors!"

Bron says, "in another few days it'll be your regiment's turn to stand guard at the bank"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I feel Jesse James approaching..."

[late_musketeers] Bron says, "heh"

Valentin asks (of Bron), "Do you expect trouble, sir?"

Bron says (to Valentin), "I always expect trouble"

Bron says (to Valentin), "especially when there's so many outsiders in the town, and so much in the bank"

Valentin says (to Bron), "We shall be vigilant, sir!"

Constantin grumbles, "Ever vigilant, yes."

Bron says, "I imagine."

Constantin asks, "How much is in the bank?"

Bron says (to Constantin), "all the taxes we collect for the festival"

[late_musketeers] Valentin passes around the quintuple espressos -- er, the Elixir of Vigilance.

Antoine-Gerard says, "all the *proper* taxes, i'm sure."

Constantin hides a little smirk.

Bron says, "Today I want you four to go find someone from du Lion to show you the bank -- those are men I can depend on who know what's what, and they just did duty there last week."

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "du Lion?"

Valentin asks (of Bron), "Aye, sir. And where might the du Lion be found?"

[late_musketeers] Bron says, "another regiment"

Bron consults his notes.

[7thsea] Penguin has joined the channel.

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "another musketeer regiment?"

Bron says, "they should be coming off shift soon -- I imagine they'll be heading for the Grey Cat"

[late_musketeers] Bron says, "du lion is one of the more popular regiments nowadays because of their close association with the army"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "They're no match for our Flower Power."

Valentin mutters (aside), "Better not send Andres..."

[late_musketeers] Bron says, "and, naturally, they have a reputation for being brave as their namesake"

[7thsea] Penguin asks, "so. if i were going to want to play 7th sea with you guys, what sorta stuff do i have to know and do?"

Constantin mutters (aside), "We may lose him for the rest of the afternoon if we go there."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Actually, yeah. This would be a good time to send Andres elsewhere."

Bron says, "they'll instruct you in your duties, and then in, ah, two days you can assume them"

Constantin stands.

[7thsea] schep says, "You might want to get the Player's Guide. It's very useful, although not absolutely necessary."

Bron says, "until then, you can keep doing what you are doing. report in again in another week, or when I send for you."

Constantin says, "As you wish.""

[7thsea] schep asks, "also, which group did you want to join?"

Constantin bows.

Valentin bows. "Are we dismissed, sir?"

Andres smiles wanly.

[7thsea] Penguin says, "i have no idea. last time i poked my head in, looked around, decided i couldn't afford to dedicate my friday nights to it just yet, there only WAS one game. i think."

Bron exclaims, "dismissed!"

Constantin opens the door. "To the Grey Cat then, gentlemen."

Valentin heads out the door.

Antoine-Gerard says, "Oui."

Andres says, "Indeed, the finest place in this forsaken city."

Antoine-Gerard salutes the commander and follows the others out.

[7thsea] schep says, "I guess there still is, if that Musketeer thing is one-act like I think."

[7thsea] Game_Master says, "we're on night 2 of 3 or 4, I think"

Game_Master says, "you head out into to the city, heading for the Grey Cat"

[7thsea] Penguin says, "well, what i mean to say is this: I have no idea what is going on, but it looks vaguely interesting and perhaps someone could explain in a few shortish sentances."

[7thsea] schep asks, "have you watched much?"

[7thsea] Penguin says, "none at all"

[7thsea] Penguin says, "i haven't even been on the channels"

(From Andres) trudge trudge trudge

Game_Master says, "you pass the usual groups of merchants hawking everything from foods to talismans and souvenirs, drunks, firebreathers, jugglers, actors (doing the big swordfight scene from Renaldo and Juliana)"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Well, this looks interesting...."

Game_Master says, "and eventually arrive at the Grey Cat"

Antoine-Gerard slows a bit as he passes the Renaldo and Juliana scene. Ah, young love ... sigh....

Valentin opens the door, and inhales that fine tavern stench.

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Buys a drunk from the man hawking them."

[7thsea] schep says, "so next Friday or Saturday come watch a session. Or the Musketeers right now, I suppose."

[7thsea] Game_Master says, "and/or read transcripts"

Game_Master says, "you step inside"

[7thsea] schep says, "that too, yes."

Andres orders a carafe.

Game_Master says, "the bar is relatively empty of musketeers"

Antoine-Gerard looks around and sits down.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "hee"

Game_Master says, "unless they're out of uniform, which seems unlikely"

[7thsea] Penguin asks, "where?"

Valentin looks for lion insignia.

Constantin says (to Andres), "We are on duty!"

Game_Master says, "there are a handful of folks sitting around"

[7thsea] Penguin says, "where musketeers, i mean"

Game_Master says, "drinking, talking, and/or eating"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "a bit of wine wouldn't hurt."

[7thsea] schep says, "to get to the 7th Sea, type 'walk the plank'"

[7thsea] Game_Master says, "type 'walk the plank' to go to the game room"

Penguin arrives, looking for booty.

Andres says (to Stan), "We're on waiting duty. it'll be fine."

Valentin says (to Antoine-Gerard), "It's never a 'bit' with Andres."

Constantin rolls his eyes. "Fine, fine, fine..."

Antoine-Gerard asks, "oh?"

[Crows-Nest] Penguin has joined the channel.

DuLionMen burst in through the door.

Constantin says, "Ho! There they are."

Antoine-Gerard says, "I must confess ... being just newly arrived, I feel a little out of place."

Andres says (to Gerry), "They're just jealous because I drink them under the table."

Antoine-Gerard says, "It's like that first day in school."

Antoine-Gerard looks up. "Well, someone knows how to make an entrance."

DuLionMen exclaims, "har har! you shoulda seen the looks on their faces when we ripped open the 'empty' casks to show all those bottles packed in straw! they'll be doing some time in the cells for that one!"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "How old is Antoine, btw?"

DuLionMen swagger over to the bartender and noisily order wine, then start looking for a table.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "um, 20?"

[late_musketeers] Miseri asks, "um, lagging?"

[7thsea] schep asks, "would I be useful explaining things, as people are busy and stuff?"

Antoine-Gerard smiles and stands. "Good day, gentlemen!"

Valentin walks over to the Du Lion group. "Gentlemen! A word, if you will?"

[7thsea] DuLionMen says, "please"

DuLionMen, ignoring you for the moment, seem to have picked a table with someone sitting at it.

schep arrives, looking for booty.

DuLionMen exclaims, "you're in our table, pipsqueak! out!"

Constantin follows behind, looking for improvised weapons.

Valentin has a look at the man at the table

Pipsqueak asks, "sir? er, sirs?"

Antoine-Gerard falters. um. that seemed rude, he thinks.

[late_musketeers] Pipsqueak says (to Constantin), "there are always improvised weapons in a bar, man"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I know"

DuLionMan exclaims (at Pipsqueak), "you heard! that's our table!"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I'm all excited at the number of possible choices."

Pipsqueak says, "er, but --"

Valentin says (aside, to the others), "Ho, these du Lion are somewhat lacking in the manners due a Musketeer..."

Andres says (to Lionesses), "I am sure that Monsieur PipSqueak has as much right as any man of the sword to drink himself into a blind stupor inpeace."

Pipsqueak looks around at the du Lion folks, winces slightly, and starts to tirse.

Antoine-Gerard says, "um"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "tirse?"

[late_musketeers] Pipsqueak says, "er, rise"

Penguin disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "And with that, I have to go."

Constantin claps the Du Lion man on the shoulder. "Sir! Let the pipsqueak alone. Share our table."

duLionMan asks (of Constantin), "eh? who're -- oh, de la Fleur, eh? I expect Bron sent you here to learn the ropes from us, eh?"

Pipsqueak gives Constantin a grateful glance.

Constantin winks at Constantin.

Antoine-Gerard smiles. "oui, we could use the teaching...."

Valentin says (to duLionMan), "Aye, we are to guard the bank two days from hence."

Constantin er, at pipsqueak.

schep disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "if you can see this: I'm seriously lagged. I'm heading out."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I winked at myself! they don't teach you that in musketeer school"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Constantin), "Too late, your eyes are hopelessly crossed."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "arr"

duLionMan exclaims, "so, what'd you need to know? wenchin'? drinkin'? har har!"

Constantin glances sideways at Valentin.

duLionMan says, "the girls at third and silver are the best for that one, I tell you"

duLionMan asks, "no, but seriously, I expect you're here to find about the bank, eh?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "ah, mais oui."

Valentin says (to duLionMan), "Aye, that we are."

Antoine-Gerard smiles brightly.

Constantin says, "Yes, the bank."

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "I missed it. how old is antoine-g?"

duLionMan pulls out his dagger and starts scratching crude drawings onto the table.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "20. So I'm still the youngest."

Constantin is aghast.

Constantin says nothing.

duLionMan says, "now, y'see, here's the entrance -- I don't mind telling you, it's a bitch of a job -- up all night, lousy sleep, no good"

duLionMan exclaims, "but somebody's gotta do it, and better you than us, eh? har har!"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Uh, but surely a bit of paper would be more portable."

Valentin says (to Antoine-Gerard), "Judging from the state of these tables, the practice has a long history."

Constantin feigns a smile.

duLionMan says, "two of you stand here, at the entrance -- then one inside, and one sleeps."

duLionMan says, "rotate every two-three hours"

duLionMan says, "that's at night"

duLionMan says, "in the daytime, you only need one outside and one in, and the other two sleep"

Constantin asks, "Is there a back entrance?"

duLionMan says, "nope -- just the one"

duLionMan says, "I don't see why Bron insists on all these guards, neither"

Valentin asks (of duLionMan), "Had you any trouble there?"

duLionMan says, "one guy inside could stand off an army"

duLionMan exclaims, "as long as they didn't have any grenades, har har!"

Constantin says, "Perhaps he expects an army."

duLionMan asks, "did I ever tell you about that time in service when we were playing catch-the-grenade?"

duLionMan exclaims, "joke was on us -- we tossed it to one of the boot-boys, and wouldn't you know it, it struck a spark!"

Constantin says (aside to his comrades), "Or perhaps he has more in the bank than anyone realizes."

Antoine-Gerard says, "surely you jest"

Valentin asks (of duLionMan), "Ah, is that where Joseph the Handless got his nickname?"

duLionMan says, "no joke -- had to clean our own boots for a week"

duLionMan says, "but life's hard in the army"

Valentin says (to duLionMan), "Indeed."

Antoine-Gerard thinks, this is not what he expected the Musketeers to be.

Valentin says, "But it is an honour to be Musketeers!"

duLionMan asks (of Valentin), "oh, so you've heard of him?"

Valentin says (to duLionMan), "Nothing but the name."

duLionMan exclaims, "too bad, too! if he'd only been Joseph the Gutless, he could have enlisted in de la Fleur! har har!"

Constantin slaps the du Lion man.

Valentin glares at duLionMan.

Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "Oh, I say!"

duLionMan asks, "sorry, boys, you can stand a bit of teasin, can't you ?"

Constantin says, "No we cannot!"

duLionMan splutters.

Valentin puts a restraining hand on Constantin's shoulder.

Constantin says (to Valentin), "But he said we were cowards!"

duLionMan exclaims (at Constantin), "why you little whelp! come here fresh out of school and propose to show me your hand!"

duLionMan pushes over the table, knocking his drink onto Constantin

Constantin says, "I'll show you more than that, cur!"

Valentin says, "Enough, gentlemen, enough!"

Antoine-Gerard jumps to his feet. "Gentlemen! Gentlemen!"

Constantin considers using either the table or the drink as a weapon.

Antoine-Gerard says (to duLionMan), "....and lady."

Valentin says, "We have trouble enough without taking offence at every harmless gibe."

OtherDuLionMen grab the man and pull him back.

OtherDuLionMen says, "we don't want to get kicked out of *another* bar"

OtherDuLionMen start dragging him out.

Constantin stands ready to fight at the next provocation.

Antoine-Gerard says, "surely we can ... hm. so much for that."

duLionMan says (to Constantin), "we'll settle this later, boy -- I'll find you."

Bartender looks relieved that there won't be a fight after all, and goes back to serving drinks.

Constantin mutters something about the du Lion man's questionable parentage.

Antoine-Gerard says, "assuming you're not drunk on duty...."

Constantin claps Antoine-Gerard and Valentin on the backs. "Well, that was almost very exciting, wasn't it?"

Pipsqueak comes over to the table.

Antoine-Gerard asks, "Er ... are all the other regiments like this?"

Pipsqueak exclaims, "you were so kind to me, gentlemen!"

Pipsqueak says, "not like those other ruffians"

Constantin says, "We are as musketeers should be, sir."

Pipsqueak says, "clearly the ideal men for the job -- here, let me buy you a drink"

Pipsqueak motions to the bartender, and orders a round for the table.

Antoine-Gerard says, "ah, thank you kindly."

[late_musketeers] Constantin points at the scarred table-top. "Okay, we must memorize this map and then eat it."

Pipsqueak says, "I'm not really a man of arms, I blush to admit"

Antoine-Gerard says, "No shame in that, really."

Constantin puts right the knocked-over table.

Pipsqueak says, "my name is Claude -- I came to Rayure in the hopes of making a few coins entertaining the passerbys"

Constantin says, "Ah! A performer!"

Claude exclaims, "and any time you gentlemen want a free show, just ask!"

Constantin asks, "What are your talents?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "also, does he have a license? it would be a shame to haul him to jail"

Claude's voice from behind Constantin says "I am a ventriloquist!"

Antoine-Gerard jumps.

Constantin says, "Ho-ho-ho!"

Valentin says (to Claude), "Ha!"

Claude says, "I admit, it's not as popular as it might be, but it serves to pass the time"

Valentin says (to Claude), "Next time I hear a cow speak, I'll know whom to suspect!"

Claude says, "a cow, sir? I admit, I am not especially practiced in barnyard imitations, but .."

Claude makes a passable mooing.

Antoine-Gerard says, "Perhaps, with a little doll or marionette, you could hold amusing conversations."

Claude exclaims (at Antoine), "interesting -- it would be like being the director of my own play!"

Messenger_Boy comes into the tavern, looking around for somebody, then comes over to your table.

Constantin snaps his fingers.

Messenger_Boy asks, "please sir, excuse me, but is this the de la Fleur regiment?"

Constantin says, "Indeed so."

Valentin says (to Messenger_Boy), "Ho! what news!"

Messenger_Boy says, "I have a message from Commander Bron, sirs. He says you are to report to the guard building immediately."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Oh, well, what can this possibly mean...."

Constantin says (to Claude), "It appears we must be going."

Constantin fishes out a coin to give to the messenger boy.

Valentin heads for the door.

Claude exclaims (at Constantin), "pleased to meet you, sirs! Any time we meet, feel free to ask for a performance!"

Constantin says, "We shall!"

Messenger_Boy exclaims (at Constantin), "thank you, sir!"

Valentin says (to Claude), "Indeed."

Constantin follows Valentin.

Antoine-Gerard looks at the plan carved into the table. "um, either of you have a knife?"

[late_musketeers] Messenger_Boy says, "(it's a pretty simple plan -- the main point was "two guys outside, one guy inside, one sleep" at night, and "one guy inside" in the day"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "I know."

[late_musketeers] Messenger_Boy says, "ok, just checking"

Bron greets you in his office, and gestures for you to sit.

Valentin sits. "Orders, sir?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "by day it was one outside, one inside, two sleep, right?"

Antoine-Gerard shrugs, grabs a steak knife, and adds a second entrance in the back, before running off after the others.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Yeah."

Bron says, "I'm glad you responded so promptly"

[late_musketeers] Bron says, "er, sorry, right."

Valentin says (to Bron), "A musketeer is ever prompt, sir!"

Constantin says, "We are always prompt. We are musketeers."

Bron says, "I recently received word from a small village up north of here that needs help from some musketeers"

[Crows-Nest] Penguin has left the channel.

Antoine-Gerard says, "Well, almost ever."

[7thsea] Penguin has left the channel.

[late_musketeers] Bron says, "hee hee"

Constantin says (to AG), "Sh."

Valentin asks (of Bron), "What manner of help, sir?"

Constantin asks (of Bron), "What is the name of the village?"

Bron says, "I don't quite understand the situation, but apparently some kind of problems with someone's inheritance"

Bron says, "Fontarrent, it's called."

Antoine-Gerard's mind immediately runs off in the direction of the lovely heiress. well, hopefully there will be one.

Bron says, "maybe a day or two's ride north"

Bron says, "I hate to spare you from guard duty, but I suppose better you than anyone else"

Antoine-Gerard asks, "What of the bank?"

Constantin asks, "A day or two? Aren't we due to start guarding the bank then?"

Valentin asks (of Bron), "So we are to make inquiries?"

Bron says, "indeed. I'll have to have du Lion go back on duty until you return"

Constantin winces.

Valentin says (aside, to the others), "The du Lion shall be displeased..."

Bron says (to Valentin), "you are to make inquiries, discover the problem, decide who is at fault, and dispense justice, as a musketeer should"

Bron says, "then return to resume your duties here"

Antoine-Gerard thinks of a few unmusketeerly musketeers.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Justice dispensers? We're vending machines?"

Constantin wonders why it is that every assignment Bron gives us has to do with money.

lpsmith arrives, looking for booty.

Antoine-Gerard says, "Of course. When a *subtle* and *delicate* hand is required, it's de la Fleur whom they call."

[7thsea] lpsmith exclaims, "Arr!"

Bron says, "you may as well leave immediately -- no time like the present"

Valentin asks (of Bron), "Indeed. How would we find this village, then, sir?"

Bron says, "it is along the main road, about a day's ride north"

[Crows-Nest] lpsmith asks, "Is anyone logging?"

[Crows-Nest] Bron says, "yeah, I have perry"

[Crows-Nest] lpsmith says, "Cool."

Constantin stands, does only a curt bow.

Bron says, "report in to me when you return"

Constantin says, "We shall report ... yes, commander."

Antoine-Gerard says, "but of course."

Constantin says, "Come, lads."

Constantin opens the door.

Constantin says, "To the stables."

Antoine-Gerard salutes, leaves.

Valentin bows, leaves.

Antoine-Gerard says, "Oui, to the stables."

Constantin leaves.

[Crows-Nest] Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "To the batmobile!"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "hrm, running a bit late, but I'll try not to make us run over"

Constantin says, "Problems over an inheritance? Hrrmf."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "well, we started late"

Game_Master says, "you retrieve your horses from the stable boy and start riding north"

Antoine-Gerard says, "the commander gave us precious little about the people involved."

Game_Master says, "it is a fine ride once you clear the city -- the wheat-fields to either side, the sun overhead, pleasant coolness from autumn"

Constantin asks, "Why is this inheritance problem in Fontarrent any of his concern?"

Valentin keeps an eye open for pretty farm girls, of course.

[Crows-Nest] lpsmith exclaims, "Er, wait--there's an outside chance I could be joining the early group. See you all later!"

lpsmith disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.

Game_Master says, "no farm girls, although you do glimpse a solitary farmer, off in the distance"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "So we assume Andres is along, just being quiet?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I think so"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "yeah"

Antoine-Gerard smiles as he rides. Wheatfields ... so different from the orchards of his home province....

Constantin says (to Valentin), "Andres sure is quiet lately."

Antoine-Gerard says (to ---tin), "He must have a had a bit of a tipple."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "actually it's too bad he left, because we almost certainly would have gotten into a bar brawl if he'd been there"

Game_Master says, "it begins to get a bit dark. you probably won't reach Fontarrant in daylight"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "hee hee"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "since he's even more of a hothead than I am"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "also, I didn't notice the -thin thing before"

Valentin asks (of Game_Master), "How's the moon? Can we ride by night?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Valentin), "yeah, it's near-full -- you could probably get there by 2-3am or something"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "well, this is pleasant ... it's made me forget completely about Helene. No, damn, remembered her again."

Constantin asks (of Valentin), "What say you? Shall we ride on?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "your horses have bedrolls and so on if you would prefer to camp off the road"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "although obviously not as comfortable as in inn -- if there is one"

Valentin asks, "What say you, gentlemen? Are we to ride by night?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "I certainly wouldn't mind riding on ... we might even time our arrival to coincide with breakfast."

Constantin says, "Let us ride on, then."

(From Constantin) Clippity clop, clippty clop...

Game_Master says, "very well -- you ride on. it is a bit less pleasant out, at night in autumn, but not yet so cold as to be actively uncomfortable. and the the moon is a brilliant silver that illumines the roads well"

Game_Master says, "and, in fact, you arrive just as the sun is rising"

Game_Master says, "Fontarrant is a small village. there are some scattered houses and one large barn"

Valentin yawns. "One sleeps ill in a saddle."

Antoine-Gerard says, "There, what did I say? We could order some food at the inn and eat it outside under the rising sun."

Game_Master says, "off in the distance, you see a cliff as the hills rise"

Valentin says, "Perhaps we can leave our horses at this stable? They need rest."

Antoine-Gerard dismounts and walks, leading his horse.

Antoine-Gerard says, "oui"

Game_Master says, "a few people are awake. they look surprised to see horsemen riding into the village."

villager walks over. "Sirs?"

Valentin walks to the stable. "Ahoy! We have mounts in need of rest."

Constantin says, "Good morning."

Antoine-Gerard greets the villager with a smile.

Villager scratches his head. "We are honored to have musketeers in this village, although I cannot imagine the purpose of your visit. Still, would you care to stay at my house? It is crude but comfortable."

Valentin says (to Villager), "If there is no inn, it will serve -- we would not inconvenience you unnecessarily."

Villager says (to Valentin), "sir, it is an honor and a privilege to have a musketeer stay under one's roof"

Villager asks, "are you tired? did you ride all night?"

Valentin says (to Villager), "Aye, then, and that you for your hospitatily."

Constantin says, "We came from Rayure."

Valentin says (to Villager), "We rode through the night, yes."

Antoine-Gerard says, "but there are four of us ... we would be an inconvenience."

Constantin says, "Yes, four of us. One of us is just very quiet right at the moment."

Villager says, "oh, no -- my house has been empty since my wife passed on, and my sons are away doing service in the army"

Constantin yawns.

Valentin says, "Well then, we'll argue no longer."

Villager says, "certainly, let me show you the way -- and I will attend to your horses as well"

Constantin asks (of Villager), "What is that cliff that rises in the distance?"

Villager says (to Constantin), "that sir? that is from where the village gets its name -- down the cliff runs a great waterfall, the fount of Arrant"

Villager says, "or (he blushes) we pride ourselves on it being great -- perhaps it is not so great, really"

Antoine-Gerard says, "I'm sure it is a fine waterfall."

Villager leads you to his house which, as predicted, is somewhat crude, but clean, with some empty sleeping rolls that he unfolds.

Constantin says, "Certainly, certainly."

Antoine-Gerard says, "And well worth the pride."

Valentin asks (of Villager), "Has this town a mayor?"

Constantin flops down and immediately begins snoring.

Villager asks (of Valentin), "we are too small to have a mayor appointed by l'empereur, but we have a village leader -- did you wish to speak to him?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "oui ... we had heard that we were needed here, but the cause was not explained."

Valentin says (to Villager), "After we have rested, yes."

Villager asks, "very good -- should I tell him you will be calling on him this afternoon?"

Valentin lies down. "Zzzzz..."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Oui."

Antoine-Gerard says, "please"

Villager says, "I will do so immediately, after I attend to your horses"

Antoine-Gerard yawns as well.

Constantin says, "Zzzz.. take that, du Lion scoundrel! ....zzzzz....""

Villager says, "if you need anything, do not hesitate to ask"

Villager leads horses away, leaving you.

Antoine-Gerard says, "Thank you ... very muczzz"

[late_musketeers] Villager says (to Constantin), "hee hee"

Antoine-Gerard sleeps, to dream.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(skip on to afternoon?)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "yes please"

Game_Master says, "you wake and stretch"

Game_Master says, "some food has been left on the small table in the room -- a few loaves of bread, some fresh-picked apples and grapes, a skin or two of wine"

Antoine-Gerard stands, straightens his uniform.

Antoine-Gerard practically crows with joy at the sight of the apples.

Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "Ah, just like home!"

Constantin eats some bread and grapes.

Valentin gets up, and breaks off a hunk of bread.

Antoine-Gerard takes an apple and munches.

Constantin says, "This villager is a fine host."

Constantin gets up and looks around.

Game_Master says, "The villager is absent, apparently, but presumably out in the fields or something"

Game_Master says (to Constantin), "as you step to the front door, you hear voices -- a man's, low and sinister, and a girl's, pleading."

Constantin whispers, "Lads, I hear some words being spoken."

SinisterMan exclaims, "that is all very well, Celeste, but the terms of *this* will are clear -- three sundowns from now, your father's land will be mine!"

Antoine-Gerard asks, "what?"

Antoine-Gerard leans in to listen.

Antoine-Gerard says, "ha, villainy."

Celeste exclaims, "but -- but -- if only I could find that will, it would prove my case!"

SinisterMan exclaims, "you'll never find that -- I mean, there is no will!"

Celeste sobs.

Constantin whispers, "Apparently our luck is uncanny. We have found the inheritance problem already."

Valentin listens. Aha, a farm girl in trouble!

Celeste says, "there is the sound of footsteps walking away"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(er, from me)"

Antoine-Gerard steps out. "What? Do you require assistance, fair lady?"

[late_musketeers] (from Constantin) SinisterMan says (to Celeste), "Foolish child! Those are my footsteps!"

Constantin follows.

Celeste is indeed a fair girl, as promised -- perhaps eighteen summers, eyes cornflower blue, hair golden like ripe wheat.

Constantin adjusts his hat and uniform.

Celeste's eyes widen at the sight of men in uniform.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Woohoo, my age!"

Valentin bows sweepingly.

Antoine-Gerard begins to fall for that old familiar feeling already.

Constantin tries to keep his mind on his duties.

Valentin says (to Celeste), "We are musketeers, lady, at your service."

Celeste asks, "could -- could it be?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "If there is villainy to be righted, you need look no further."

Constantin asks (of Celeste), "To whom were you speaking just now?"

Celeste exclaims, "I had not thought my message would have a chance of being answered -- and four of you came!"

Celeste says, "I was speaking to Gregor -- he is -- ooh"

Valentin says (to Celeste), "A message, damsel? We were sent by our commander."

Celeste breaks down crying again.

Celeste composes herself, eventually.

Valentin says (to Celeste), "There, there, whatever your trouble, we shall not rest until it is righted."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Ah, had we known such a one as you were at the other end of the message, more would have eagerly hastened here."

Celeste says (to Valentin), "I had sent word to the commander of the musketeers of Rayure, since that was the closest city"

Antoine-Gerard gallantly offers Celeste a hanky.

Valentin says (to Celeste), "That would be Commander Bron, then, yes."

Celeste says, "Gregor is -- was -- my dear departed father's solicitor and so-called best friend"

[Crows-Nest] Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "I shall henceforth be known as .... HankyMan!"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Do I sense a little competition brewing?"

Celeste blows her nose daintily.

[Crows-Nest] schep says, "I think Diego already had that title."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "yes"

Celeste says, "I never trusted him, but my father would not hear a word against him"

Celeste exclaims, "and then, when my father died, not two weeks ago, his will was found -- leaving all to Gregor!"

Valentin asks (of Celeste), "A true will, or a false?"

Celeste thinks.

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "of course it was a false one."

Celeste says, "well .. my father always promised I would have the small patch of land that surrounded the house, and the rest of the farmland would be given to Gregor for his services to my father"

Celeste says, "but I think Gregor coveted it all, and sought to make it his own"

Constantin is too raptured by her beauty to have heard a word of this, but he nods every so often as if he's paying attention.

Celeste asks, "I think this must be a false will, but where could the true one be?"

Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "Never fear, we shall find it!"

Celeste says, "I have sought in vain, and now, the will is to take effect in only three sunsets"

Constantin asks (of Celeste), "And where is this small patch of legs?"

Constantin says, "Er, land."

[late_musketeers] Celeste exclaims (at Constantin), "ha!"

Valentin asks (of Celeste), "Hidden away, or destroyed?"

Celeste shrugs her shoulders fetchingly. "I just don't know -- I hope it was hidden, and not destroyed"

Constantin mmmm, such pretty shoulders.

Celeste says, "the land is to the northwest of the village here -- but I have not been able to go there. Gregor and his men took possession of it as soon as the will was read."

Antoine-Gerard thinks, ah, Helene used to shrug just like that.....

Valentin asks, "His men? He has a force at his disposal?"

Celeste says, "and to make matters worse, he sent away my father's trusted servant, Colin"

Celeste says (to Valentin), "a man like Gregor with money at his disposal always has a few brutes to help him carry out his plans"

Constantin says (to Celeste), "Can I get you something to eat? We have apples and bread and wine."

Celeste shivers, again fetchingly.

Valentin asks, "Would Colin perhaps know something of the will's whereabouts?"

Celeste says (to Constantin), "oh, thank you! I have not had the energy to eat since -- oh, I can't remember"

Constantin asks, "Are you cold? Do you need my coat?"

Celeste (to Valentin) gasps. "I had not thought of that!"

Constantin says, "Well, come in then, come in. There's plenty to go around."

Celeste exclaims, "but I do not know where Colin has gotten to since he was sent away!"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of Constantin), "Making rather free with someone else's house, are we?"

Constantin says, "We'll find him, we'll find him."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "shh, I'm not thinking straight"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Do not worry ... we shall find him and set this matter to rights."

Valentin says (to Celeste), "Fear not, he will be found."

Celeste is led away into the house by Constantin.

Valentin asks (of Celeste), "Has he family, this Colin?"

Constantin says, "You lads go and find Colin. I'll stay here and protect the lass."

Antoine-Gerard trots along behind, considering the possibility of duelling Constantin after the duLion guy is done.

Antoine-Gerard says, "ah...."

Celeste says, "he has, ah, a young cousin, who lives out to the east. I did not think they got on very well, though"

Antoine-Gerard asks, "What is this cousin's name?"

Valentin says (to Constantin), "We'd best all be together -- once this Gregor hears of our presence, he may attempt force."

Celeste says (to Antoine), "Denis, I believe"

AnotherVillager me walks up. "Celeste!"

Constantin says, "What? I cannot leave this creature defenseless."

Constantin says, "You'll be fine on your own."

Celeste exclaims (at Oliver), "oh, Oliver! I am so pleased to see you -- and look who has arrived!"

Constantin says, "Silent Andres will be with you."

Valentin looks at oliver

Constantin regards Oliver narrowly.

Valentin asks, "Who have we here?"

Oliver is a broad-shouldered plowboy, the salt of the earth.

Antoine-Gerard looks up at Oliver, face expressionless, heart fearful.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Kind of guy I grew up with, then..."

Oliver exclaims, "I'm -- er, Celeste is with me!"

Valentin says (to Olivier), "We are musketeers, sir, of the de la Fleur regiment."

Oliver asks, "and we had best be going now (he glares at you four) -- had you forgotten there are lunch plans?"

Oliver asks, "musketeers, eh? here to straighten out this inheritance mess?"

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Oliver), "Certainly, she is with you, as you are in the same room. Did you mean something otherwise?"

Celeste gasps fetchingly and claps a hand over her mouth. "Oh, yes, you are right! I must get the preparations for lunch started!"

Valentin asks (of Oliver), "Indeed. What know you of this matter?"

Celeste says, "but -- these men -- helping me"

Constantin stares at Celeste in a dreamy way.

Antoine-Gerard is hastily composing poetry in his head.

Oliver says (to Valentin), "only what Celeste has told me. frankly (drawing you aside) I worry that this will of hers may be mere dreaming -- but in any case, I have a fine plot of land, though small, which I am sure we will be quite happy on"

Constantin ponders going out to search for wild flowers.

Celeste asks, "but you all will find Colin, and help me, will you not?"

Valentin says (to Oliver), "We'll find the truth of this matter, one way or another. Although this Gregor sounds rather a villain in any case."

Celeste clasps her hands.

Valentin says (to Celeste), "We will, fair lady, we will."

Antoine-Gerard says, "mais oui. of course."

Constantin says, "Fear not! No harm shall befall you!"

Constantin says, "We shall right all wrongs in this matter."

Celeste goes away with Oliver, prattling gaily to him as he looks resolutely forwards, away from you.

Constantin says, "I don't like this Oliver fellow one bit."

Antoine-Gerard watches them leave, then slumps back onto a chair.

Valentin says, "Ah! A fair lady, indeed."

Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "Oh bitter Fate, to have brought one as her so close, and then to have snatched her away! Shall it always be thus? Alas!"

Constantin says, "Perhaps I should follow them to make sure she is okay."

Valentin says (to Constantin), "No, no."

Constantin says, "Are you sure? Because I really think it would be best if I stayed near her."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "Nay ... we shall be better employed elsewhere ...."

Constantin munches on a few grapes.

Constantin says, "I can think of nowhere else I'd rather be..."

Antoine-Gerard says, "(to himself) perhaps ... if we should succeed ..."

Valentin asks, "So. First, this Colin -- then perhaps a look at the land itself?"

Constantin asks, "Sorry, Colin who?"

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Valentin), "who?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin laughs

[Crows-Nest] Antoine-Gerard says, "hee"

Valentin says, "In my limited experience, fair ladies wish to be listened to as well as looked at."

Constantin says, "I listened to her every delicate word!"

Antoine-Gerard jumps to his feet.

Constantin asks, "Did you notice how her voice is like that of the morning songbird?"

Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "Of course! Nothing is too impossible!"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "A lark, you mean? Nay, 'tis more like the nightingale."

Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "But come! Let us be at her service!"

Villager bustles in.

Constantin says, "Yes, yes, at her service, absolutely."

Villager exclaims, "ah, gentlemen, you are awake!"

Villager says, "I must apologize for my absence -- I was out in the fields"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Oui! Our gratitude is boundless."

Constantin says, "We are, and thank you for the food."

Valentin says (to Villager), "Aye, we are. And afoot. For your hospitality, thanks."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "I wonder what Valentin must think."

Villager asks (of Valentin), "afoot? did you wish your horses?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Hmm?"

Valentin says (to Villager), "Not yet."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "Or what Andres must think ... of us swooning over said fair maiden."

Villager asks, "is the aught else, then? or may I return to my plowing?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Nay, nought else...."

Valentin asks (of Villager), "Did you know a man named Colin?"

Villager is, I should mention, perhaps forty or so, hair starting to turn silver, sun-weathered face, etc.

Constantin asks, "This Oliver fellow ... what sort of man is he?"

Antoine-Gerard claps an arm around the villager, about to accompany him outside.

Constantin follows, somewhat absent-mindedly

Antoine-Gerard shoots Constantin a stay-out-of-this-you-maiden-stealing-bastard look.

Villager asks (of Valentin), "Colin? Martin's servant?"

Valentin says (to Villager), "He was a servant, yes. And has not been seen in some time, we hear."

Villager says (to Constantin), "Oliver? The salt of the earth! Tall, brave, -- he coughs -- not too bright, but I am sure Celeste will make him very happy. I imagine we'll hear an announcement from them one of these days"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I hope this Gregor has moustaches. And twirls them."

Antoine-Gerard brightens a little. Not too bright, huh?

[late_musketeers] Villager says, "but of course"

Villager says (to Valentin), "indeed .. he had that disagreement with Gregor and was sent away"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Aha, so nothing is confirmed, as yet."

Villager says (to Antoine), "oh, no. Celeste is a flighty girl, you know, and takes her time with these things"

Antoine-Gerard dares to hope.

Valentin says (to Villager), "Do you know where he might have gone? We heard tale of a cousin."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Someone named Denis."

Villager says, "Denis? yes, he might be the best person to talk to, although I don't know how close he was to Colin"

Valentin asks (of Villager), "Where would we find this Denis?"

Constantin ponders the idea of some sort of large farming apparatus falling on Oliver by accident.

Villager says, "he lives out east of here -- if you rode for perhaps half an hour you could not help but find him"

Valentin says (to Villager), "Thank you. And one last thing..."

Villager says, "his is the only house in the area. he's a bit of a recluse."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Hm. We may have need of our horses after all...."

Valentin asks (of Villager), "The villahe leader you mentioned -- where might he be found? And what is his name?"

Constantin says, "Not me. I'm staying in town to look after things here."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I'll bet it's Gregor..."

Villager says, "Lorenz? you lives very near here, just over there"

Constantin notices a puffy cloud that looks charmingly like Celeste.

[late_musketeers] Villager says, "er, s/you/he/"

Villager says, "although of course he relies on Gregor for any major decisions"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Hmmm."

Valentin says (aside, to others) "Best not see Lorenz yet, then -- he'll pass word to Gregor."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "This is rapidly turning into a Western."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Perhaps we should try to locate Colin first."

Constantin says, "Not Lorenz yet, right, right. Of course.""

Antoine-Gerard says (to Villager), "Thank you for your good time, sir."

Constantin tries to shake his head clear, without much luck.

Villager says, "of course"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Villager), "and for your hospitality."

Valentin says, "We'll take horse, and be off!"

Villager spreads his hands. "Please, feel free to make use of it however long you like."

Valentin says (to Villager), "And again, thanks."

Villager exclaims, "at once, sirs!"

Villager fetches the horses.

Valentin mounts, and points his horse east.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "okay, how many of us are Smitten?"

Valentin says, "Onward, gentlemen!"

Constantin asks, "Shouldn't someone stay behind and ... er... and... look for the missing will?"

Valentin starts riding east.

[late_musketeers] Valentin raises his hand. Suits the character -- he is 18, after all.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "that's not the same kind of smitten"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I wish I had a description of my hubris to refer to, but I don't have the book any more"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard raises hand, Star-crossed romantic that he is.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Ah, there's a hubris at work?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "yes"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "we're both star-crossed"

[late_musketeers] Villager says, "star-crossed is "falls in love all the time""

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(is someone encouraging Constantin to come along?)"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Ah, OK. I'm 'Reckless', instead."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to GM), "Yes, yes."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "usually with the Wrong sort of people. You know, like the Evil Overlord's Beautiful-but-wicked daughter."

Constantin stands in the stables and fidgets.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(well, so say)"

Constantin wonders if he should take a bath and put on some clean clothes.

Antoine-Gerard looks Constantin up and down. Nah, that fellow won't stand a chance....

Constantin says, "Ah, Celeste."

Constantin asks, "Sorry, did I say that out loud?"

Constantin asks, "Do you think she's the marrying kind?"

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Come along, come along!"

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Constantin), "Oh, snap out of it. Can you not see her interest is elsewhere?"

Esrom arrives, looking for booty.

Constantin climbs reluctantly into the saddle.

Andres would like a good red wine, garcon.

Constantin says, "**Fine.**"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "What's going on?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "someone summarize for andres, please"

Antoine-Gerard thinks, to himself, like, on me ... hopefully.

Duchess arrives, looking for booty.

Game_Master says, "you ride out eastwards"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "We're helping a fair lady here."

Game_Master says, "it's not really a half-hour ride, or perhaps you get lost along the way"

Constantin says (to Andres), "Saddle up. We're off to see the cousin of the man who knows where the missing will is."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "In a small town -- she sent to Bron for musketeer help."

Game_Master says, "but some time later, as it's starting to darken, you arrive at what must be Denis's house, since it's the only house around"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard and Constantin both fell for her at first sight.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "and we're very distracted by this"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Anyhow, there's a missing will, and an attempted land grab by a guy named Gregor, who's a town bigwig."

[late_musketeers] Duchess has joined the channel.

Valentin dismounts, and knocks at the door.

Denis opens the door. "Yes?"

Constantin dismounts.

Denis looks a bit surprised to see musketeers.

Esrom disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "speak for yourself, I'm totally focussed ... on impressing her."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Good eve, sir."

Valentin asks (of Denis), "Are you Denis, then, sir?"

[late_musketeers] Duchess asks, "help. who is denis?"

Valentin says (to Denis), "We seek a man named Colin, who we hear is a cousin of yours."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "oh and also, we met the duLion guys, and they were sloppy, disgraceful scoundrels who called the de Fleur regiment a bunch of cowards"

Denis says, "him? eh"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "npc"

Denis says, "I haven't talked to him in weeks"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "so I nearly got in a fight with one of them, but we broke it off before it started"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Colin = former servant of girl's father."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Might know where the will is."

Antoine-Gerard asks, "Do you have any idea where he might be?"

Denis says, "and he's got the nerve to be taking up space in my attic with his storage"

Antoine-Gerard asks, "Storage?"

Denis shrugs. "Some other town, I suppose."

[late_musketeers] Duchess says (to antoine), "I know he is an NPC. IMy cousin and I are trying to figure out what the story is"

Denis says, "he said he wouldn't be treated this way anymore and he was clearing out"

Antoine-Gerard asks, "Hm ... might we have a look at his storage?"

Constantin says, "We must inspect and possibly confiscate this storage."

Valentin says (to Denis), "We're looking for a document that your cousin might possess."

Constantin says, "Official business, you understand."

[late_musketeers] Denis says, "the girl's father left a will not leaving his land to the girl, but to the lawyer instead"

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Oh, I doubt it will come to that..."

[late_musketeers] Denis says, "Colin, the father's servant, has vanished, but has this cousin Denis"

[late_musketeers] Duchess says, "any of you players have a crush on the girl? :)"

Denis says, "well -- I suppose you're musketeers, so it'd be alright. In fact, why don't you take it with me"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "two of us"

Denis says, "er, with you -- take it off my hands"

[late_musketeers] Duchess says, "also, PG-13 on the channel if you can, please"

Constantin says, "Please lead us to this attic of yours."

Denis exclaims, "then Colin can go hunting for it if he ever comes back, eh? haw haw!"

[late_musketeers] Andres takes off his pants.

Denis says, "this way --"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "I mean, whoops!"

Antoine-Gerard smiles and follows Denis

Denis opens the door and leads the way to his attic, which has a large chest

Constantin thinks of Celeste.

[late_musketeers] Denis says, "(much like Celeste)"

Valentin says (to Denis), "We'll leave a letter -- he can send for his posessions at the guardhouse in Rayure."

[late_musketeers] Denis says, "(whoops, sorry)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "haw haw"

[late_musketeers] Andres says (to Stan), "yay"

Antoine-Gerard thinks of a word that rhymes with Celeste.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "it was wide open for that comment"

Denis says (to Valentin), "fine, fine"

Denis says, "well, it's here"

Valentin asks (of Denis), "Is it locked?"

Denis scratches his head.

Denis says, "I'll go look for the key"

Constantin inspects the chest.

Denis goes downstairs.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Anyone know how to pick locks?"

Valentin says, "Perhaps we should inspect the chest somewhere private."

Denis's chest is locked.

Antoine-Gerard asks, "Oh, what could possibly go wrong?"

Constantin asks, "Where could we go that would be private?"

Denis eventually comes back with the key. "Ah, here we are!"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "I'm going to have to set up a 'what could possibly go wrong' tally."

Valentin says (to Denis), "Thank you!"

Denis unlocks the chest. "See? Junk!"

Antoine-Gerard inspects said junk.

Valentin scratches out a receipt for the chest and contents, along with the address of the guardhouse.

Constantin says, "Let our trained eyes inspect it, sir."

Valentin says (to Denis), "Here you are."

Game_Master says, "the chest contains folded clothes, some books, some paperwork in boxes, a pair of candlesticks with an engraver's mark on it, etc"

Valentin riffles through the chest. "What have we here?"

Denis asks (of Valentin), "very good -- now you'd be taking it out of here, right?"

Valentin says, "Yes, yes."

Constantin asks, "Anything to be found in the pockets of the clothes?"

Valentin closes the chest and picks it up.

Antoine-Gerard checks the books (hm, he was literate, it seems), riffling through the pages.

Constantin asks, "Also, is there anything of Celeste's in there, perchance?"

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Outside, outside, away from prying eyes!"

Constantin says, "Okay, okay."

Valentin grunts, carrying the chest down the stairs.

Denis says, "good, good"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "So, we ride off to a private spot..."

Constantin hums a tune about moonlight and wine.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "it's a two-person chest, but i imagine you manage somehow"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "where are you taking it to?"

Valentin asks (of Denis), "And if you hear word of Colin's whereabouts, you'll let us know?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "That's my question."

Denis says (to Valentin), "sure, but I doubt it'll happen"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I was thinking someplace quiet, like a grove of trees."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "That work for everyone?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "isn't it dark out?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "yeah"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "we have a pair of candlesticks."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(but no candles)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "well, how about if I pace around with an eye on safety while they pore over the chest's contents"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I'm just a little dubious about being seen carrying the chest into town."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "you could probably manage to get it back to the village"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "ah"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "We could kill Professor Plum and mIster Green, though."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hmm. Well, if it's dark, it'd be OK."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "where's Andres, incidentally?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Back to town? There'll be candles in the house."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "andrew is along"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "er, -s"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "okay, why don't we tote it back to town then."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "I'm here, just not saying anything until I figure out what's going on."

Constantin says (to Valentin), "Let's bring it back to the village where we can inspect it thoroughl."

Game_Master says, "you bring it back to town unobserved, as it's getting late and people are apparently to bed early, being farmers"

Constantin says, "y."

Valentin lights some candles and opens the chest.

Game_Master says, "the door is unlocked and your 'landlord' is snoring quietly in his room when you get back"

Constantin says, "Leave no detail unremarked."

Valentin asks, "How about we each examine something?"

Game_Master says, "as mentioned, folded clothes, silver candlesticks with an engraver's mark, some books, some paperwork"

Antoine-Gerard gets a candle.

Constantin keeps an ear to the door.

Antoine-Gerard riffles through the books.

Valentin picks up a box of papers and examines the contents.

Constantin says, "Hand me the clothes and I'll search them."

Constantin looks in all of the pockets, etc.

Andres looks through the papers, too.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "My, how IF-ish!"

Constantin says, "Someone has to look at the candlesticks."

Valentin examines the candlesticks, too.

[late_musketeers] Duchess says (to constantin), "I could, if you want :)"

Valentin asks, "Do the bases unscrew, perhaps?"

Constantin says, "Well, the engraver's mark means something, surely."

Game_Master says, "the paperwork seems to be a combination of so-so poetry about agriculture and the beauties of nature and so on"

Constantin says, "But candlesticks could be a way of hiding a rolled up scroll, perhaps."

Game_Master says, "and some other, more personal things"

Game_Master says, "the candlesticks don't unscroll, but the engraver's mark turns out to be initials, MA"

Game_Master says, "the clothes are fairly new and befitting a butler of decent status, for Colin's position"

[late_musketeers] Duchess says, "The stuff is not in code? the poetry is not code for "MY money to Celeste?" :)"

Game_Master says, "the books are about etiquette and butlery-type duties, and then about poetry"

Game_Master says, "except for one, which is a small diary"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Lagging?"

Constantin says (to Antoine-G), "A diary? Hmmmm."

Constantin says, "I suppose we must open it."

Andres says, "I'll read it, if you others fear finding something too . . . personal."

Andres grabs the diary and reads it.

Game_Master says, "the diary is somewhat sparsely written in"

Game_Master says, "one entry details "Begin to be a bit suspicious of G's interest in final disposition of things""

Game_Master says, "another "Curse being bed-ridden! I must go along as best I can, but what of C?""

Game_Master says, ""I fear -- trouble -- if I do not go along, but --""

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Indeed, lagging."

[late_musketeers] Miseri asks, "arr, lag?"

Antoine-Gerard asks, "Hm. what's the engraver's mark?"

Game_Master says, "and then the final entry "I have made it as G desires, and then concealed the true copy under the bed. I hope someone will find it.""

Game_Master says, "initials -- 'MA'"

[late_musketeers] Miseri says, "what's been said? Antoine is still lagging."

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Under the bed! How more IF can you get?"

[late_musketeers] andyf says, "Yeah, the other window where Valentin is, is totally wedged."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "oh wait, no more lag."

Game_Master says, "oh, and then having removed everything, you notice a small key at the bottom of the chest"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "hunh, weird, no lag at all for me"

Constantin takes the key.

Constantin asks, "I don't suppose there's a false bottom to the chest or anything?"

Game_Master says, "doesn't appear to be one"

Constantin asks, "So where would this bed have been?"

Constantin says, "I think this would be in Celeste's father's house."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "no lag for me either"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "I was lagging from Valentin checking the bases of the candlestick, up to about now."

Constantin finally has a reason to visit Celeste.

Valentin asks (of constantin), "Gregor's sitting on that land, no?"

Constantin asks, "Is he?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Unlagged, finally."

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "So Gregor is G?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "yes"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "And he is the lawyer."

Constantin asks (of GM), "What kind of key is this?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "So, we shall have to find our way into the house. I suppose Gregor won't be entirely reasonable."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to GM), "Gregor's occupying the disputed property with his men, right? That's what Celeste said."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "right"

Valentin says (to A-G), "Indeed."

Valentin says (to A-G), "It may mean a fight."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "we don't have much time left for a big fight"

Constantin says, "Good, good."

Andres hands Constantin a candlestick. "You can use these."

Constantin says, "Excellent."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Well, we can get set up, then start next week's game with a brawl."

Constantin says, "Although, I think a sword may be of more use in this instance."

Antoine-Gerard imagines himself defeating scores of brutes and Celeste falling into his arms sighing 'my hero'.

[late_musketeers] Duchess says, "clubbing the butler or G with a candlestick? so trite"

Andres says (to Stan), "Improvise."

Constantin takes a candlestick anyway, just in case.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "yeah, it's looking like this session may not finish in time. grf."

Constantin asks, "How do we know which room was Colin's room?"

Valentin says (to Constantin), "We'll have to check them all."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "well, we are the #late_ group"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "heh"

Antoine-Gerard says, "There can't be too many rooms."

[late_musketeers] Duchess asks, "Ah so it's Andres that is not in love with this beautiful Celeste. Good taste or odd man out?"

Valentin asks, "So, a decision: sneak in by night, or enter by day?"

Constantin says, "I was just thinking... maybe I should go visit Celeste and ask her which room was Colin's..."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Well, I was not around when they all met them. Also, Andres isn't really one for 'love'."

Valentin asks (of Constantin), "She would know the layout of the house, yes. Perhaps she could draw us a map?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Yes. I shall go speak with her directly."

Valentin looks at the sky. "What's the time?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(it's like 10 or 11pm now)"

Constantin says, "Everyone is asleep now."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(and villagers go to bed early)"

Constantin says, "They'll be up and already at work with the sunrise."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Then that is when we should be up."

[late_musketeers] Miseri says, "grrf. not again."

Miseri arrives, looking for booty.

Valentin says, "We'd best sleep then, and wake at cock's crow."

Antoine-Gerard puts the books back in the chest.

Antoine-Gerard says, "indeed <yawn>"

Antoine-Gerard prepares himself for bed. mm, jammies.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "we'd better end it here unless folks can stay for like another 45 minutes or something."

Andres once visited the Cock's Crow. Run by a fine lusty woman.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "since we're about 2/3rds into the act."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "not a problem for me."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I could."

[late_musketeers] Duchess says (to Andres), "thank heavens I don't have to define lusty to Tammy"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Heh."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "erf. my vote would be to end here"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "'k, we'll push it to next week"

Antoine-Gerard pretends to go to sleep. Waits for the others to drop off so he can sneak out of bed, grab a pen and some paper and compose an ode to Celeste's heavenly eyes.

[late_musketeers] Duchess says, "Hm. Get Tammy here next week"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "ok, but next week needs to be action packed the whole time"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "there will be weapons to improvise"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "hooray"

Constantin sleeps soundly.

Valentin snores.

Andres drinks from a flask and goes to sleep.

Game_Master says, "ok, ending here."